Generally, love is described as an intense feeling of deep affection for another person. It may be romantic, platonic, or simply a general feeling of reverent adoration of God. In addition, it can be a directional feeling, such as loving your neighbor or wishing your favorite sports team to win.
Love has been a subject of study for centuries. It is considered a major driving force in life. The onset of unrequited love is a painful experience. It is also a part of the natural cycle of relationships.
It has been studied in many disciplines, including biology, psychology, and religion. Some scientists believe that love is driven by a combination of hormones, neurotrophins, and pheromones. Others believe that love is biologically programmed into us.
A better understanding of love is important for both humans and non-human animals. Love is a complex emotion that can be influenced by hormones, pheromones, and a number of other factors. It can be fleeting, or it can be permanent. Love can also be influenced by culturally-indoctrinated beliefs. For example, many people love their best friends.
In the early 1980s, psychologist Robert Sternberg developed a triangular theory of love. He broke love down into three components: the Eros style, the Storge style, and the Affection style. He concluded that passion, commitment, and intimacy are the primary components of love. In a nutshell, the Eros style is the most superficial form of love. It is characterized by intense sexual intimacy and physical attraction. It also entails emotional distance, but is unlikely to lead to a long-term relationship.